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Luminous
and Dramatic,
Island Moving Company Gala
Shines In Newport
With the
International Yacht Restoration School's mammoth facility
turned into Count Dracula's bedroom, and demon succubi
sliding on crimson ropes from the ceiling to "involve" the
sleeping Count, Island Moving Company hosted one of the most
intriguing fundraising events of the season in Newport.
Entitled "The World is Your Oyster", the event celebrated
its dancers as its pearls. Atmospheric and fun, the
highlight was the performance of the extraordinary bedroom
scene from "Dracula". It was welcome to the castle!
Exuberant dancing to
the Tin Pan Band from New York began during dinner, joined
by a lively 9:00 p.m. post-dinner crowd. Auctioneer Sal
Corio conducted the "Fund the Future" auction, which
attracted multiple bids, from a $5,000 pledge (given by
photographer Thomas Palmer) down to tens of pledges at $500.
Company artistic director and choreographer Miki Ohlsen
danced disco with Randall Poirier and the company's red-clad
dancers. The Missouri Contemporary Ballet and New York’s
John Mark Owens Presents, in town for the IMC’s Great
Friends Dance Festival, joined in.
Co-chairman Elle
Barnes was lovely in a pink dress and hosted a large table,
and Co-Chair Monique Burgess and her partner Bethany di
Napoli introduced their new perfume line,
8 Count Fragrances.
Compelling, kinetic bronze sculptures by artist Anne Mimi
Sammis (very Degas-like) served as the centerpiece of each
table.
Former Board
Chairmen formed a “Table of Chairs” which included Spencer
Berger, Anne Maxwell Livingston and Rachel Balaban. Board
members in attendance were Chairman Donald A. Jagoe, Vice
Chair Kate Spinella, Joan Martin, John W. Brooks, Jr., Ellen
Barnes, Brenda Calkins, Monique Burgess, Mary Clare O’Grady,
Laura Cahill, Barbara Caldwell, Bethany DiNapoli, Mary Beth
Murphy and Marilyn Woloohojian.
The Island Moving
Company, a non-profit, classically trained contemporary
ballet troupe, is celebrating 30 years as Newport's
resident, bringing dance into the Rhode Island schools, and
performances to many venues. IMC has performed in New York
City, Palm Beach, and throughout the region, and is, founded
on the belief that collaboration and a supportive
environment enhance the creative process, producing great
works of art representing profound expressions of the human
spirit and experience. |